From Elite level runner to Cyber Threat Intelligence Specialist

Intervju med Gustav Bivstedt - Cynode

In the vast realm of cyber security, there are few people who stand out not just for their technical expertise, but for their passion and vision. Gustav is one such individual, a native of Sweden, who has been making waves in the cyber security sector for around four years.

Background and Experience

Gustav’s academic journey began with a BSc in Business and Economics, Gustav wasn’t satisfied there so decided to pursue his Master’s in Computer System Science, while working full time. His professional trajectory has seen him take on roles such as the Technical Lead at organisations and serving in the Swedish Armed Forces. Currently, he holds the esteemed position of a Cyber Security Advisor. Gustav isn’t just about work; he’s a well-rounded individual with elite-level experience running at 800 metres and is a keen Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) fighter.

Having previously worked with Sebastian and other trusted colleagues in a different company, Gustav values the bonds of trust and camaraderie. He’s driven by the desire to be part of a world beating start-up, and to build something from the ground up.

The Allure of Cyber security

Although Gustav enjoys the inherent diversity of cyber security, he started with a keen interest in penetration testing. His passion then grew into Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) and the integration of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework. He likens his role to being a small piece in a vast, intricate puzzle.

In Gustav’s perspective, the predominant threat most companies face today is ransomware, a view shaped by the numerous high-profile cases we witness. He believes that the dynamics of cyber security are evolving, and CTI plays an increasingly pivotal role. While larger organisations are turning to products like CTI to address their challenges, Gustav emphasises that smaller entities first need to nail down the basics before investing in such solutions.

Cynode’s Potential

Gustav sees immense potential in Cynode assisting clients to harness the benefits of CTI. By coupling it with NIST reviews, businesses can derive enhanced value from their assessments. He envisions a future where Cynode pioneers a proactive approach to CTI application and cyber assessment integration. The ultimate goal? To transition from offering an internally built solution that sells as a service to selling a product that stands out from the already well-established competitors in that field.

As Cynode expands, Gustav aspires to be a cornerstone of its growth, contributing his technical expertise, unwavering drive, and vision.

Teamwork and Communication

For Gustav, effective communication is the lifeblood of a successful team. Bringing together brilliant minds is essential to propel technical ideas to fruition.

He’s a staunch advocate for clients seeking guidance from seasoned professionals and believes that understanding the customer’s baseline, is one of the most important things to do. This baseline can be easily determined by initiating a NIST assessment as this can provide businesses with a clear roadmap for their cyber security journey.

Continuous Learning and Building Trust

Gustav’s approach to learning is multifaceted. From creating an RSS feed to collate security updates to tapping into the wealth of information from his local CERT, he believes in diversifying sources of knowledge.

Contrary to the stereotype that cyber security professionals are mere ’geeks’, Gustav emphasises that they are just regular individuals, committed to safeguarding both corporate data and personal privacy.

Building and maintaining trust with clients is paramount for Gustav. Delivering on promises, punctuality, professionalism, and a structured approach are non-negotiable for him.

Vision for the Future

Gustav sees his future as being instrumental in establishing one of the premier cyber security firms, boasting top-tier skills and a relevant workforce. He recognises that not all organisations have expansive budgets and envisions Cynode aiding the broader security community, not just the major organisations with huge budgets.

He appreciates Cynode’s modern ethos, team spirit and the ability to work flexible, which he believes is crucial in today’s landscape. Technology has provided us the ability to be effective from anywhere in the world.

About Cynode

Cynode is a Cyber Security initiative launched in September 2022 by Nordic LEVEL Group to further strengthen its advisory services offering and meet the strong demand from the Group’s customers. The initiative is positioned as the preferred Cyber Security partner for Nordic SMBs and Enterprises. The business focuses on minimizing organizations’ exposure to cyber threats and strengthening their Cyber Security posture with Advisory Assurance services.

 

Cynode Press contacts:

Sebastian Rosendahl

CEO, Cynode

T: +46 (0)70 968 54 03

E: sebastian.rosendahl@cynode.com

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